India’s ₹1.1 Lakh Crore Defence Push: Major Modernisation Across the Armed Forces
India has taken another significant step towards strengthening its military capabilities, with the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, giving in-principle approval to capital acquisition proposals worth around ₹1.10 lakh crore for the Indian Armed Forces.
The approvals cover a broad range of equipment for the Army, Navy and Air Force, including advanced helicopters, surveillance radars, electronic warfare systems, mobility platforms and specialised battlefield equipment. Around 98 per cent of the approved procurements are expected to be sourced from Indian industry, highlighting the growing emphasis on domestic defence manufacturing and self-reliance.
Indian Army to Get Advanced Mobility and Battlefield Systems
For the Indian Army, the approved proposals include CBRN reconnaissance vehicles, High Mobility Vehicles, Advanced Light Helicopters, Self-Propelled Mechanical Mine Layers, Trawl Tanks and the Sarvatra Bridge System.
These systems are aimed at improving the Army’s mobility and operational preparedness across challenging environments. CBRN reconnaissance vehicles will strengthen the ability to detect and identify chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats, while high-mobility vehicles will support the movement of troops and equipment.
The inclusion of mine-laying systems, trawl tanks and bridge systems will further improve battlefield mobility, particularly when forces encounter obstacles or difficult terrain. Advanced Light Helicopters will also add to the Army’s ability to conduct troop movement, logistics and other operations.
Navy to Strengthen Radar and Propulsion Capabilities
The Indian Navy is set to receive Arudhra Radars, which will replace existing Air Route Surveillance Radars at various naval air stations. Improved radar capabilities will enhance airspace monitoring and situational awareness around naval facilities.
The DAC has also approved the design, development and subsequent procurement of Marine Gas Turbines. Developing such propulsion technology domestically is strategically important as India seeks to strengthen its indigenous warship-building capabilities and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers for critical systems.
Air Force to Enhance Combat and Electronic Warfare Capabilities
The Indian Air Force will also receive several capability upgrades. The approvals include systems intended to enhance the effectiveness of fighter aircraft, transport aircraft and helicopters.
A pilot project will explore the integration of RVV-BD long-range air-to-air missiles with the Sukhoi-30MKI fleet, potentially strengthening the combat capabilities of one of the IAF’s principal fighter platforms.
The DAC has additionally cleared the Ground-Based Multi-Purpose Jammer, which will strengthen the IAF’s electronic warfare capabilities. In modern warfare, electronic systems, radar networks and communications play a crucial role, making electronic warfare an increasingly important part of military preparedness.
Strong Push for Indian Defence Industry
The decision to source around 98 per cent of these procurements from Indian industry is one of the most notable aspects of the latest approvals. It can create opportunities for Indian defence manufacturers, private companies, public-sector enterprises and smaller firms involved in the defence supply chain.
The move also supports India’s broader effort to develop domestic capabilities in strategically important areas such as aerospace, radar technology, electronics, propulsion and electronic warfare. Building these capabilities can help strengthen the country's defence-industrial base while ensuring greater control over critical military technologies.
Modernisation Across Multiple Domains
The latest approvals demonstrate that defence modernisation is no longer limited to acquiring fighter aircraft or missiles. Modern military operations require an integrated combination of surveillance, mobility, secure communications, electronic warfare, aviation and specialised battlefield systems.
By addressing requirements across all three services, the latest package seeks to strengthen India's overall operational preparedness. At the same time, the emphasis on domestic procurement can help connect military modernisation with the expansion of India's technological and manufacturing capabilities.
The MGMM Outlook
India’s latest defence modernisation push, involving around ₹1.10 lakh crore in capital acquisition proposals, marks a major effort to strengthen the operational capabilities of the Army, Navy and Air Force. The wide-ranging approvals cover advanced mobility systems, helicopters, surveillance radars, electronic warfare equipment, battlefield systems and naval propulsion technologies. The focus on strengthening capabilities across multiple domains reflects India’s approach towards building a more modern, technologically equipped and operationally prepared military capable of responding to evolving security challenges.
A particularly significant aspect of the package is that around 98 per cent of the proposed procurements are expected to come from Indian industry. This gives further momentum to domestic defence manufacturing while creating opportunities for Indian companies, defence manufacturers and the wider technology ecosystem. Beyond meeting immediate military requirements, such investments can help develop indigenous expertise in areas including aerospace, radar, propulsion, electronics and electronic warfare, supporting India’s broader objective of achieving greater defence self-reliance and building a stronger indigenous defence-industrial base.
(Sources: Moneycontrol, Indian Express, OpIndia)
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